Hurricane R4118 Revisited: The Extraordinary Story of the Discovery and Restoration to Flight of a Battle of Britain Survivor: The Adventure Continues 2005-2017

(Hardback)

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Twelve years since the amazing account of Peter Vacher's discovery in India was originally published, Grub Street is thrilled to bring readers the updated story of Hurricane R4118. Since the restoration of this magnificent aircraft to flight in 2004, Peter Vacher continued to research its history. In 'Hurricane R4118 Revisited', more stories of R4118's origins are told, including the extraordinary tale of how this aircraft shot down a friendly Whitley bomber before it was assigned to a RAF squadron. Focus is also given to the role of 605 Squadron's ground crew and the aircraft during the Battle of Britain. Continuing into the present day, Vacher highlights the challenges of maintaining and flying a historic warbird, whilst Keith Dennison, a warbird pilot, provides expert commentary on exactly what it is like to fly a Hurricane. The book concludes with the sale of R4118 to an enthusiastic Englishman and the decision taken to keep the aircraft at the Shuttleworth Collection. With brand new photography and sources, including wartime letters from Bunny Currant, this book is essential reading for all Hurricane enthusiasts. AUTHOR: Peter Vacher was born in London during the Blitz. Educated at Marlborough College, he began from an early age restoring vintage cars as a hobby, building up a small collection. He also travelled extensively in India, meeting the Maharajas whose families had imported Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars in the 1910s and 1920s. When his job changed and he moved to Australia, Peter and his wife, Polly, learnt to pilot light aircraft. They subsequently flew around the Australian continent before returning to the UK and acquiring a four-seater Piper Dakota. Polly flew the Dakota solo around the world in 2001 and again in 2003. Meanwhile Peter's interest moved from motor cars to restoring vintage aircraft. He is also the author of The History of the Jodhpur Flying Club, which includes rich detail on the RAF's training activities in India during the Second World War. Peter and Polly have three sons and the whole family is aero-minded! REVIEWS: 'The amazing story of how this only surviving Hurricane from the Battle of Britain was discovered and lovingly restored.' - The Mail on Sunday 'The ultimate lost and found. Vacher's meticulous research into the plane's history is fascinating.' - Classic and Sports Car

Reviews

Praise for Hurricane R4118: 'The amazing story of how this only surviving Hurricane from the Battle of Britain was discovered and lovingly restored.' The Mail on Sunday; 'The ultimate lost and found. Vacher's meticulous research into the plane's history is fascinating.' Classic and Sports Car; 'A tremendous aviation detective story, Vacher's book is an achievement to match his vision.' The Oxford Times; 'Absorbing. A quite exceptional book.' Flypast

Author Bio

Peter Vacher was born in London during the Blitz. Educated at Marlborough College, he began from an early age restoring vintage cars as a hobby, building up a small collection. He also travelled extensively in India, meeting the Maharajas whose families had imported Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars in the 1910s and 1920s.When his job changed and he moved to Australia, Peter and his wife, Polly, learnt to pilot light aircraft. They subsequently flew around the Australian continent before returning to the UK and acquiring a four-seater Piper Dakota. Polly flew the Dakota solo around the world in 2001 and again in 2003. Meanwhile Peter's interest moved from motor cars to restoring vintage aircraft.He is also the author of The History of the Jodhpur Flying Club, which includes rich detail on the RAF's training activities in India during the Second World War. Peter and Polly have three sons and the whole family is aero-minded!